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Global Head of Index Research & Development

Nasdaq
New York City, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 26 Jan 2026
💰 $335,000/yr($172,000/yr$335,000/yr)

About the role

The Head of Index Research & Development will be responsible for leading the creation of timely, germane research content that exhibits Nasdaq’s position as a thought leader in rules-based investing, as well as the development of new indexes that will be benchmarks for various investment vehicles, including but not limited to, Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), Structured Products, and Annuities. This is a global role, with teams reporting to the individual across geographies (Americas, EMEA, APAC) and investment vehicles.

The individual’s main responsibility will be setting the strategic vision for the product development life cycle, from ideation, to client engagement, and ultimately through index launch. This will entail managing the prioritization and execution of the research and product pipelines, ensuring effective collaboration with internal partners across sales and operations, and representing Nasdaq’s index business at high-level client meetings and with internal leadership.

What You Will Do:

Across geographies and investment vehicles that are of focus to the business:

  • Manage the composition, prioritization, and execution of the research and product pipelines
  • Develop and execute a client engagement strategy with sales counterparts
  • Serve as a coach and mentor to direct reports and individual contributors within the Index R&D reporting line
  • Foster relationships with leaders at key client and partner firms
  • Collaborate with colleagues across Sales, Product Management, and Market Intelligence to triangulate investment topics and product concepts that are of interest to clients, in demand among investors, and well suited to Nasdaq’s strategic and commercial objectives

 

Other Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the Marketing, Distribution, and Index Specialist teams in the creation of content supporting new launched indexes and associated investment vehicles
  • Lead the strategy and applied research agenda for emerging passive investment opportunities, including but not limited to private markets benchmarks, tokenized assets, and digital asset index products
  • Develop strategic partnerships with data providers and industry experts, expanding capabilities for alternative datasets and next-generation index solutions

What We Expect:

  • At least 10 years of experience in research and development of indexes and/or rules-based investment products
  • Detailed knowledge of the regulatory and commercial dynamics underpinning the markets and investment vehicles served by Nasdaq’s index business
  • Track record of “connecting the dots” between the R&D work being undertaken in one area of the business and the opportunities to leverage it elsewhere based on client and/or investor demand, as well as the ever-evolving regulatory and macroeconomic backdrop
  • Wide-ranging and insatiable intellectual curiosity
  • Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills, with sharp attention to detail
  • Experience utilizing SQL, R, Python, and Databricks
  • Experience utilizing Tableau or similar data visualization tools to create compelling content that enhances product pitching efforts

This position will be located in New York and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work environment at least 3 days a week in-office, subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualified candidates. 
 

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

What We Offer

We’re proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq’s overall success.

The base pay range for this role is $172,000

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Company

Nasdaq

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